Hausa Women and Islam

Abstract

The impact of Islamization on the role of Hausa women in Nigeria was investigated by comparing the role and status of women in 2 Hausa subcultures. One group was heavily influenced by Islamic traditions while the other group was not. The major difference between the women in the two groups was not the lower status of the women in the Muslim group but rather the marked separation between the sexes and the solidarity among women in the Muslim group as compared with those in the non-Muslim group. In the Muslim group the women were secluded and expected to show deference and obedience to men; however as a result of seclusion the women are not permitted to engage in agricultural labor and are relatively free of family economic responsibilities. They have time to produce and sell craft objects and most of the money derived from these pursuits is considered their own. Much of their income is spent on ceremonials gifts and clothing all of which helps to increase their status among other women. The social cohesion among the women is apparent in their social gatherings and is symbolized by their ribald behavior at these gatherings. In the non-Muslim group the relationship between the sexes is somewhat more relaxed the men speak about the women more respectfully and the women have a role in the religious life of the community; however the women are expected to shoulder heavy economic responsibilities and must do a considerable amount of agricultural work. Thus in some areas of life the Muslim women have more freedom and in other areas the non-Muslim women are freer.